City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: SEPTEMBER 21, 2021
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: MARK B. JINKS, CITY MANAGER /s/
DOCKET TITLE
TITLE
Consideration for the Applications for the Annual Renewals of the Justice Assistance Grant for Part I Crimes Task Force and the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles for an Aggressive Driving/DUI Interdiction and Pedestrian Safety Grants for the Police Department.
ISSUE: Consideration for the renewal grant applications to the U.S. Department of Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, in the amount of $36,059, and the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles grant in the amount of $46,368. Both grants have historically been applied for annually by the Police Department.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
(1) Approve the two proposed grant applications; and
(2) Authorize the City Manager to execute all the necessary documents that may be required.
BACKGROUND: The Federal Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program was first funded in
FY 2005, replacing the former Law Enforcement Block Grant (LEBG) program. The City has participated in these programs since 1997. The JAG grant would enable enhanced enforcement of Part I (serious) crimes. The Police Department addresses Part I crime trends through task force style investigations involving multiple officers.
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has granted funding to the City for the past twenty-two years. The Police Department would like to pursue additional funding opportunities to support the Traffic and Safety initiative sponsored by the Police Department and contribute to the City’s Vision Zero project. This funding will be used to enhance safety initiatives that focus on the identification of pedestrian safety problems and the subsequent development and implementation of solutions. The targeted objectives will be to reduce pedestrian fatalities and injuries, public information/education, and enforcement.
DISCUSSION: For JAG - Federal grant funds will be used for overtime to hire back officers to replace those temporarily assigned to investigate Part I crimes. Alexandria’s share of funding was predetermined by the grantor agency.
For DMV - these funds will be used for overtime, education, and equipment with a focus on the pedestrian safety, bicycle safety and driving under the influence.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no required match from the City and, therefore, no additional fiscal impact from this grant.
STAFF:
Debra Collins, Deputy City Manager
Don Hayes, Acting Chief of Police
Chris Wemple, Captain, Police Department
Brenda D’Sylva, Division Chief, Police Department
Jennifer Simon, Fiscal Officer I
Jason North, Lieutenant, Police, Traffic Safety Section